The second-ranked Ankeny Centennial softball team bounced back from a season-opening loss to sweep a doubleheader on Thursday at No. 10 Johnston.
The Jaguars posted a 3-2 victory in the opener, then rolled to a 9-0 win in five innings in the nightcap. They are now 2-1 in the CIML Conference and overall, while Johnston’s records dropped to 1-2 and 1-2.
“The girls rebounded well after a tough one (Wednesday) night at Waukee,” said Centennial coach Brett Delaney. “We came out and played well as a team in the first game–it took a total team effort. And then the second game was the same thing.”
Centennial used a two-run rally in the fourth inning to erase a 2-1 deficit in the first game. Ava Faber went 2-for-4, scored a run and drove in another, while Mary Brantley and Jordyn Kennedy each had an RBI.
Aubrey Scieszinski went the distance to earn the win. She allowed one earned run on two hits and had eight strikeouts.
“Aubrey led us off in the first game and pitched a complete game,” Delaney said. “In game two, Kori (Lincicum) rebounded after throwing the game (at Waukee). Then we brought in a freshman (Peyten Spiegel) to get her a little bit of experience late in the game.”
The Jaguars took a 1-0 lead in the second inning of the nightcap. They then erupted for eight runs in the fourth to break it open.
Lincicum went 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI to help her own cause. On the mound, she allowed no hits and had five strikeouts over the first 3 1/3 innings.
“Kori hit the ball really well in game two, and so did Lauren Bartine,” Delaney said. “The bats finally came alive in that game. I know the girls were waiting for it.”
Bartine doubled and knocked in three runs. Makenna Foster went 2-for-2 and had two RBIs.
Centennial will host a non-conference doubleheader against Des Moines Lincoln (0-4) on Friday.